Attorney: Matthew Shepard killer's trial poor | Billings Gazette

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Attorney: Shepard killer's trial poor

Associated Press

LARAMIE, Wyo. - The lawyer representing one of the men convicted in the murder of Matthew Shepard says his client was denied effective legal assistance during trial.

Russell Henderson is serving two life sentences for the beating death of Shepard, a gay college student, in 1998.

Attorney Tim Newcomb, of Laramie, filed a motion alleging Henderson's rights were violated because public defenders did not advise him of the consequences of pleading guilty.

Newcomb, who did not handle Henderson's defense at trial, had earlier filed a motion saying his client's rights were violated after he pleaded guilty because the defense team allegedly did not discuss his right to appeal within 30 days.

A state district judge will hold a hearing on the matter Tuesday in Laramie.

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